Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher

The purpose of the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Program (HCVP) is to provide rental assistance to eligible families. This program is funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and falls under that Department’s rules and regulations. The Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers can be used within a six mile radius from the Winooski city line.

Applicant Eligibility

In order to meet eligibility criteria the applicants must be at or below 50% of the area median income. See current income limits.

Applicants must also meet citizenship or eligible immigrant requirements; applicants must not have a recent record of violent or drug related criminal activity. Applicants must not owe rent or other amounts to any Public Housing Authority or owner in connection with any assisted housing program.

Availability

There is a waiting list for this program. Once it has been determined that a family is eligible for assistance they are placed on the waiting list. When funding becomes available, the WHA will re-verify family eligibility and issue the family a voucher. Once the family finds an eligible unit the WHA enters into a contract with the owner and the family enters into a lease agreement with the owner. The WHA and the family each pay their respective portions to the owner.

This HCVP does provide mobility choices (referred to as portability) to eligible families. In their search for housing the family may choose to live in the Winooski Housing Authority’s jurisdiction, or eligible families may choose to move to another jurisdiction using the portability option.

Project Based Voucher Program

The Project Based Voucher (PBV) Program provides housing to eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. The monthly rental amount is based on 30% of your household income.

Applicant Eligibility

To meet eligibility criteria, the applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income. See current income limits.

Waiting List

The Winooski Housing Authority has no emergency housing and all PBV properties have waiting lists. The time frame varies based on the property and bedroom size, wait times vary and can be from between six months and three years. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list and there is an apartment available the Property Manager will complete a background check to determine final eligibility.

Senior Properties

Winooski Housing Authority manages three properties in Winooski that offer housing to senior or disabled families. They are located at 31 East Spring Street, 83 Barlow Street and 65 Barlow Street.

All the senior properties are secure buildings with 24 hour on call maintenance service. Each property has a community room that is equipped with a kitchen in addition all properties have onsite laundry facilities. All the WHA senior properties are near the Winooski Senior Center.

Family Properties

The Winooski Housing Authority manages two family properties located at 87 Elm Street and 181 Franklin Street. These are 2 through 5-bedroom townhouse units with washer and dryer hookups. Heat and electricity are included in your rent; you are responsible for your cable and telephone bills.

The Dream Program (Directing through Education, Adventure and Mentoring) is a non-profit mentoring program that works with children at our Elm and Franklin Street communities. The program provides weekly mentoring services with a combination of group and one-on-one activities.

Section 8 Multifamily Housing

The Section 8 Multifamily Housing Program provides housing to eligible elderly and persons with disabilities. The Courtyard is a Section 8 Multifamily subsidized property owned by the Chittenden Housing Corporation and managed by the Winooski Housing Authority. The Courtyard is a smoke-free building with a designated smoking area. The apartments are subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Courtyard is a 100 unit property with one and two bedroom units and is located on East Spring Street in Winooski. The building is secure with 24 hour on call maintenance service. The Courtyard has a common sitting room and a larger community room that is equipped with a kitchen. There are laundry facilities on each floor. The Courtyard is in close proximity to the Winooski Senior Center.

Applicant Eligibility

In order to meet basic eligibility criteria the applicants must be at or below 50% of the area median income. See current income limits. Applicants must be at least 62 years old or be a non-elderly disabled individual. Applicants must also meet citizenship or eligible immigrant requirements.

Availability

There is a waiting list for this program; the wait varies depending on apartment size. When your name reaches the top of the waiting list and there is an apartment available the Property Manager will complete a background check to determine final eligibility.

Section 8 Home Ownership

If you are currently a participant in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program you may be eligible to use your Section 8 Voucher to purchase a home. The Homeownership Voucher assists first time homeowners with their monthly mortgage payment as opposed to a rent payment. An approved homeownership counseling program educates and coaches families through the process and responsibilities of owning a home.

Managed Properties

Chittenden Housing Corporation owns 19 units of affordable housing on Conger Avenue in Burlington. The Conger Avenue apartments are located in the Lakeside area of Burlington. There is a neighborhood park within walking distance and the Burlington bike path and the lake are very close to the apartments. This property has 24 hour on call maintenance, off street parking and on-site laundry facilities. Conger Avenue apartments are marketed at affordable rents, however they are not subsidized. The Winooski Housing Authority is the managing agent for the Conger Avenue apartments.

The Winooski Housing Authority also manages 26 units of affordable housing at Main Street in Winooski. Like the Conger Avenue property, these apartments are affordable but are not subsidized. This property has 24 hour on call emergency maintenance, off street parking and on-site laundry facilities. The Main Street apartments are conveniently located to the newly renovated downtown Winooski area and are within walking distance to restaurants, shops and the river walk.

SASH

Support And Services at Home (SASH) provides a system of coordinated, person-centered, supportive services and care to help residents be safe and secure at home. The SASH Coordinator and Wellness Nurse work with a team of services providers in the community to coordinate individual care and services for each participant. Also, SASH organizes Wellness programs and activities throughout the year to engage residents in activities that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

SASH is a voluntary program that primarily serves residents that are 65 and older and persons with disabilities.

To find out more information about SASH please contact the SASH Office at 802-655-9320.